The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned in strong terms what it described as the unlawful arrest of a journalist based in Kebbi State, Hassan Mai-Waya Kangiwa, for exposing the deplorable conditions at Kangiwa General Hospital in the State.
Reacting to the news about Kangiwa’s release from detention, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, said his detention was a blatant violation of human rights and freedom of expression by the Kebbi State government.
The NHRC executive secretary, however, commended the Kebbi State government for paying ₦200,000 in compensation to Kangiwa for his unlawful detention, adding that the act has set a positive precedent for protecting victims of human rights violations in the country.
Speaking further, the NHRC boss said: “the constitution provides for apology and payment of compensation. We are still awaiting for the public apology by the Kebbi State government to fully comply with the constitutional requirement
“We also welcome the suspension of the Kebbi State Commissioner for Health, Yunusa Isma’il, over gross negligence and abandonment of duty within his ministry. His jurisdiction has a lot to do with the protection of the rights to life and health which should be taken with all the seriousness it deserves,” he stated.
Ojukwu who further reiterated the importance of press freedom and the role of journalists in holding public officials accountable, also urged the Kebbi State government as well as other state governments to prioritise citizens’ well-being and ensure healthcare facilities meet basic standards.
He said the Commission will continue to monitor the situation in order to ensure that human rights are protected and those responsible for violations are held accountable.
To everyone who has played one role or the other especially the media in exposing the unlawful arrest and detention, the NHRC said: “We appreciate the attention given to this matter and look forward to continued collaboration with stakeholders to promote and protect human rights in Nigeria.”
